Manx Gas has responded to comments made by a landlord, who says his tenants can't afford to use gas in their accommodation.
Ian Abrahams, who owns around 100 properties, says the ?250 deposit Manx Gas insists upon from new customers is beyond the means of many of those who rent property from him.
Proposed new regulations for private rental accommodation include the provision of central heating as standard.
In a statement issued from Manx Gas, its director, Tony Nicholls, says it has a similar policy as the Manx Utilities Aujthority in requiring a security deposit for the first 12 months from new customers who are in privately rented accommodation.
The deposit was brought in in response to a relatively high proportion of defaults on credit accounts for such properties.
He says Manx Gas wants to encourage customers to use gas and so is extremely sensitive to their needs and, where there are difficult circumstances, works hard to try and find a solution to meet the needs of the customer.
He would say to prospective customers, please come and talk to Manx Gas, which really is keen to help.